With Strictly Come Dancing gearing up for a historic new chapter this September under fresh hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe, speculation over the 2026 celebrity lineup has reached a fever pitch.
The BBC has already officially locked in three major names: EastEnders favorite Lacey Turner, former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem, and Dani Dyer, who is returning for her second chance after an agonizing injury forced her out of the 2025 series before it even began. But as the rumor mill spins out of control, a live television blunder has fans convinced they’ve unmasked the next contestant.
🤫 The Roman Kemp “Slip” on The One Show
Popular presenter Roman Kemp, 33, found himself at the center of intense Strictly chatter following an incredibly awkward moment on live television.
While co-hosting The One Show with Alex Jones, Roman was interviewing former contestant Emma Barton about her ex-colleague Lacey Turner joining the roster. After gushing over how proud she was of Lacey, Emma turned, pointed directly at a stunned Roman, and added: “Roman, you know as well.”
A panicked Roman immediately scrambled to shut down the comment, protesting: “I have never done it. I’ve never done it!” Adding fuel to the fire, fellow guest and Strictly alumnus Rob Rinder simply sat back and smirked while the presenter squirmed under the studio lights, leaving viewers convinced a major contract had just been accidentally leaked.
🚴♂️ 1. Dame Sarah Storey
Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, boasting an astonishing 30 medals (19 of them gold) across swimming and cycling, is reportedly ready to swap the racing track for the ballroom. Sarah was initially lined up for Dancing On Ice in 2025 before a fractured ankle ended her run, followed by the show’s cancellation. Insiders claim she is eager to show a glamorous, softer side of herself to the public away from the sporting arena.
🎤 2. Jake Quickenden
No stranger to reality television, the 37-year-old X Factor alumnus previously won Dancing On Ice in 2018 and braved the jungle on I’m A Celeb. Word from television executives is that Jake has heavily “caught the eye” of Strictly casting bosses due to his natural performance background, hunk status, and charismatic personality.
📺 3. Jeff Brazier
Could the Glitterball stay in the family? This Morning presenter Jeff Brazier, 47, is reportedly in active talks to join the autumn lineup, three years after his son Bobby Brazier captured the hearts of the nation during his memorable run to the 2023 final. While Jeff previously insisted he wanted to “stay in his lane” and leave the Strictly legacy entirely to Bobby, sources claim Bobby is fully backing his father to finally step onto the dancefloor.
🎭 4. Katherine Ryan
In a candid new cover story with Principle Magazine, Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan admitted she has repeatedly knocked back informal inquiries from talent scouts because the intense training schedules would isolate her from her young children. However, after welcoming four kids, Katherine teased she is officially entering her “hot girl era” and is finally ready to start accepting high-profile travel and performance commitments.
🩰 5. Sarah Jayne Dunn
Former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn, 44, has spent the last few years building a massive online following by showcasing her highly technical pole dancing routines. After hearing her name mentioned as a potential candidate on Good Morning Britain, Sarah took to Instagram to publicly manifest a spot, admitting she has desperately wanted to experience the challenge, nerves, and glamour of the show for a very long time.
👑 6. Josie Gibson & Stacey Solomon
ITV sweethearts Josie Gibson and Stacey Solomon are once again locked in the rumor mill. This Morning star Josie, 41, is reportedly high on the BBC’s wishlist to inject some down-to-earth Bristolian charm into the revamped series, though she coyly downplayed the rumors on air. Meanwhile, Sort Your Life Out host Stacey Solomon remains a perennial favorite, with fans holding out hope that the busy mother-of-five can finally clear her frantic autumn schedule to accommodate the ballroom.
🍽️ 7. Tom Parker Bowles
In what would be the ultimate royal booking, food critic Tom Parker Bowles, 51, is heavily rumored to be dusting off his dancing shoes. His mother, Queen Camilla, is a notorious Strictly superfan, even sending a formal letter of appreciation to departing hosts Tess and Claudia during last year’s grand finale. Rumor has it palace influence might finally convince the high-profile chef to sign on the dotted line.
When pressed for clarification on the mounting rumors, a BBC spokesperson stated: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
